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7 

LIFE'^OF 

George Washington 

IN VERSE "^^"^^ 

By BENJ. J. CUNN 32o 

Pittsburg, Kansas 



# 



W. M. No. 261. 1892 

W. M. No. 329. 1902. 1905 



Author of 
Life of Abraham Lincoln In Verse 



Either Poem 25 Cents 



Cop:gmht 1917 ^>^^ 



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MASONIC WORKING TOOLS. 

The Twenty-four Inch Gauge does teach 

Free Masons to divide their time 
Into three equal parts with each 

Devoted to a task sublime; 
The service of our God comes first. 

With members of the Craft distressed; 
Life's daUy work should be rehearsed. 

And then refreshment, sleep and rest. 
The Common Gavel teaches man 

The vices of life to discard. 
To live upon a higher plan. 

And well his character to guard ; 
If Masons thus the Gavel use. 

To shape their lives before they die. 
The Master then will not refuse 

Admission to the Lodge on high. 
We use the true Masonic Plumb 

Our perpendiculars to raise. 
And Craftsmen by its use become 

Upright and manly in their ways ; 
Before his fellow-man and God 

Uprightly should the Mason walk. 
His way the way that Jesus trod. 

His talk the same as Christians' talk. 

Thfe Square employed by Masons all 

To shape their deeds is Virtue's Square ; 
And Craftsmen should obey its call. 

And heed its lessons everywh-ere; 
Let Masons thus their lives improve ; 

When Death's cold winds comie sighing round. 
Their souls will rise to God above. 

Where peace eternal will be found. 
\rhie Level teaches that all men 

Are equally the sons of God, 
Who are to be forgiving when 

Upon Time's level they all trod 
Unto that undiscovered land 

From which no traveler returns. 
Where, seated at God's own right hand. 

The Mason precious wisdom learns. 

The Trowel teaches us to spread 

Love and affection's strong cement, 
That heart to heart we may be wed 

Into a noble band content. 
Where no contention can exist 

Except that emulation we . 

Are taught to practice, to assist r 

Us best to work and best agree. 

;q,A454504 



By BENJ. J. GUNN. 

The writer takes his faithful pen 

An even thousand lines to write 

About one of our noblest men, 

Whose story is a beacon light, 

A guiding star, to us today. 

And will throughout the earth be read 

By children and by statesmen gray 

When all of us are cold and dead. 

Beyond the sea for British gold, 
Eleven hundred eighty-three, 
The "Wessjmgton" estate was sold 
To William de Hertburn, and he 
Transmitted it unto his son: 
The "de" omitted, then the name 
To "Wassington" and Wasshington*' 
Was changed, and "Washington" became. 

One Lawrence Washington received 
From the Eighth Henry all Sulgrave, 
But his posterity believed 
The Stuarts just, and to them gave 
Allegiance. When Cromwell came 
Did John and Andrew Washington, 
Great-grandsons of the one we name, 
Both journey tow'rd the setting sun. 



— 2— 

In sixteen hundred fifty-sev'n 
They landed on Virginia soil, 
And in Westmoreland county, ev'n, 
Began their life of ceaseless toil.' 
John wooed and won Miss Anna Pope, 
Was in the house of burgesses, 
Lived out his days, died in the hope 
That Jesus would his labors bless. 

In sixteen hundred ninety-four 
John's grandson, Augustine, was born: 
And his first wife, Jane Butler, bore 
Pour children to him, and was torn 
From earth away. Miss Mary Ball 
Became his wife, and to him gave 
The noble George — the name we all 
Revere where Freedom's banners wave. 

In sev'nteen hundred thirty-two, 
And on the twenty-second day 
Of February, the child who 
Was destined to a Nation sway, 
Was born. Of Stafford county then 
Did he become a resident, 
Join.ed in the chase o'er hill and glen, 
And was with such a life content. 

Left fatherless when but a lad, 

His mother's precepts wise controlled 

His life. She bade him shun the bad. 

And thus his character did mould. 

To Mary Washington we owe 

A debt of gratitude that can 

In love be paid: that love to show 

Should be the pride of ev'ry man. 



— 8— 

Erected o'er her grave today 
A plain and simple modest stone 
Appears; and any person may 
Upon it read these words alone: 
"Mary, mother of Washington." 
Yet 'tis enough to such as love 
The mem'ry of her noble son, 
Who did to us a Father prove. 

Attentive to his books at school, 
He did his teachers all obey, 
And many of his playmates rule 
As soldiers when their locks were gray. 
Precise and thorough in his work, 
Whate'er he did was ably done; 
He was a student, not a shirk: 
Such was our noble Washington. 

Beyond the Alleghanies high 
Vast regions Washington surveyed; 
And on his field notes still rely 
Surveyors v/hen surveys are made. 
A careful youth, though but sixteen, 
His record is excelled by none: 
For eighteen decades we have seen 
No nobler name than Washington. 

Such was the boyhood and the youth 
Of him whom nations still admire 
For virtue, honesty and truth, 
And teach their people to aspire 
His character to emulate, 
His virtues all to make their own. 
That when they reach the golden gate 
They all may meet our Washington. 



When George's brother, Lawrence, died. 
In sev'nteen hundred fifty-two, 
Mount Vernon with its acres wide 
Descended to his daughter who 
Soon died; and thus did George become 
The owner of the vast estate 
On the Potomac: and the home 
Was worthy of its owner great. 

Virginia's noble governor 

A man of courage wished to send 

To tlie Ohio, where a war 

Seemed imminent; and so he penned 

A letter to a prudent youth 

Whose age was only twenty-one — 

A man of fortitude and truth — 

You know his name — 'twas Washington. 

A mission more important than 
The one to which we here allude 
Was ne'er intrusted to a man 
So young; nor yet to one so good. 
Courageous and so true; and yet 
Each trying task was nobly done, 
Each difficulty fully met 
By our sagacious Washington. 

October thirty, fifty-three. 
Upon his journey perilous 
Did Washington set out, and he 
Proceeded straightway to discuss 
Grave matters with his brothers red 
As soon as he had reached the place 
Where Pittsburg stands today, and said 
He peace desired with all their race. 



Delivering to St. Pierre 
Dinwiddie's letter, Washington 
Received his brief reply, to bear 
Which answer back must needs be done. 
On foot and o'er the frozen snow 
The party in the wilderness 
For many days did slowly go 
And forward constantly did press. 

Alone did Washington with Gist 
On foot the forest journey through; 
And that their way might not be missed 
They chose as guide a savage, who 
Proved treacherous and tried to kill 
His two companions: leaving him 
The noble heroes onward still 
Proceeded with a weary limb. 

They saw the Allegheny's rise 
And crossed its raging waters wide 
Amidst great blocks of floating ice, 
In triumph reached the other side 
By means of rafts constructed rude; 
Though they were in its waters thrown. 
With courage and with fortitude 
They struggled till the bank was won. 

Quite rapidly our hero went 
Unto Virginia, whence he came, 
Reported to the government 
His mission done: henceforth his fame 
Increased until it was the theme 
Of conversation in each group; 
And he did to the people seem 
Virginia's pillar and her hope. 



— 6— 

In sev'nteen hundred fifty-four 
The French and Indian war began, 
And Washington throughout it bore 
The record of a valiant man; 
And when a regiment set out 
To travel tow'rd the setting sun 
They felt the French could never rout 
Lieutenant Colonel Washington, 

Upon the twenty-eighth of May 
In earnest did the war begin. 
And through the forest dense that day 
Was echoed loud the battle's din. 
It has been said by those who know 
That in that bloody war the gun 
Directed first against the foe 
Was in the hands of Washington. 

When the Great Meadows fight was done 

The gallant French were prisoners 

Of war, and were by Washington 

Sent to Virginia's governors. 

The sudden death of Colonel Fry 

Left Washington in full command; 

And he began to fortify 

A place where he could firmly stand. 

But later — on July the third — 

His men at Fort Necessity 

The French attacked, and there was heard 

The sound of savage revelry. 

Compelled soon to capitulate, 

He slowly led his men away 

And straightway did communicate 

To Dinwiddle the men's dismay. 



_7_ 

Now Washington resigned his place, 
That he might his good mother see; 
But afterwards the populace 
Asked for a soldier brave, and he 
In sev'nteen hundred fifty-five 
Joined BraddoCk's staff and went to meet 
The foreign foe; and he did give 
Advice and counsel quite discreet. 

'Twas on the ninth day of July 
That Braddock fought at Fort du Quesne 
Until his troops were forced to fly 
From savage missiles that, like rain, 
Descended on his soldiers brave 
Till of his aid-de-camps not one 
Remained to dire disaster save 
Except the gallant Washington, 

All over that fierce bloody field 
Did Washington, undaunted, ride; 
The colonists were last to yield; 
Tliough hundreds of the British died. 
Brave Braddock went down with his men, 
But Washington escaped unharmed. 
And by his presence cheered them when 
They finally become alarmed. 

Two horses under him were shot. 
Four leaden bullets whistled through 
His clothes, and yet he faltered not 
But ever did his duty do. 
Miraculous seemed his escape 
Upon that sultry July day 
From bullets, missiles and from grape 
That did so many comrades slay. 



— 8— 

Had Braddock heeded the advice 
Of Washington, the great defeat 
At Fort du Quesne at such a price 
Would not have heen; that quick retreat 
Would not have heen recorded on 
The leaves of England's history, 
And Braddock might not then have gone 
To death hefore the enemy. 

Appointed by the governor 

Virginia's soldiers to command. 

Did he continue in the war 

To fight for home and native land. 

Into the Shenandoah fair 

The little hand by Washington 

Was guided; and they tarried there 

Midst scenes beyond comparison. 

In January, fifty-six. 

Did Washington to Boston go, 

That General Shirley might there fix 

Instructions necessary to 

Determine who was in control 

Of forces under his command. 

And ascertained that as a whole 

The troops were guided by his hand. 

It has been said that at New York 
Young Washington did fall in love. 
But duty called him to his work 
And left a rival to improve 
The golden moments as they sped 
Until the tender heart was won 
By him to whom the girl was wed, 
And not by Colonel Washington. 



—9^ 

The year was spent on the frontiers 
The pioneers brave to protect 
From hostile French and savage cheers. 
His presence had a good effect. . 
It was not until fifty-sev'n 
That Washington forsook the field 
And journeyed to Mount Vernon, ev'n, 
And to disease was forced to yield. 

But finally, in fifty-eight. 
With Forbes he went to Fort du Quesne, 
Which fortress did capitulate 
November twenty-five. 'Twas ta'en 
Without a blow. This was the end 
Of fighting in the frontier West, 
And the brave men who did defemd 
Their homes so nobly now had rest. 

Before the fall of Fort du Quesne 

Did Washington a widow meet, 

Who pleasantly did entertain 

Him with her charming ways so sweet: 

Her name was Martha Dandridge first. 

But John Parke Custis she had wed; 

And she to Washington rehearsed 

How Custis had been three years dead. 

The charming widow was too much 
For Washington's admiring gaze; 
Her tender look, her slightest touch, 
Her hazel eyes, her winsome ways, 
His youthful heart did captivate; 
And he to her his troth did plight. 
And they agreed to celebrate 
Their nuptials when was done the fight. 



—10— 

Unto the house of burgesses 
About this time was Washington 
Elected, and with cheerfulness 
He heard that he had nobly won. 
The battle over, he repaired 
To Williamsburg to claim his bride, 
Whose hand in marriage he had dared 
Solicit, and was not denied. 

The year was fifty-nine, the day 

Was January six, when he 

To Mrs. Martha Custis gay 

Became a husband and to the 

Two children a beloved sire. 

At the bride's home the honeymoon 

Of three months passed; but his desire 

For his Mount Vernon came quite soon. 

Before he to Mount Vernon went 
He sat among the burgesses, 
Who his brave deeds did compliment 
And old Virginia's thanks express. 
Returning to domestic life, 
He oversaw the vast estate, 
And with the riches of his wife, 
To his own added, became great. 

A chariot and four for her 
Did he most cheerfully provide, 
But did himself a steed prefer 
And did on horseback always ride. 
His own book-keeper and his clerk, 
His labors honestly were done; 
And e'en in foreign climes his work 
Was never scrutinized by one. 



—11— 

A burgess Washington remained 
From fifty-nine to sev'nty-foiir, 
And during these years he maintained 
Columbia's cause a-nd always bore 
An active part in each protest 
Against the tyranny of George 
The Third, whose laws oppressed 
The people, and did o'er them forge 

The tyrant's chain. Divided, they 
Could not so well the king oppose; 
And so they named an autumn day 
For meeting, and the place they chose 
Was Philadelphia; and there met 
The Continental Congress when 
September five came, to debate 
The welfare of their fellow-men. 

Virginia, longing to be free, 

Sent Pendleton and Harrison, 

And Patrick Henry, Bland and Lee, 

And Randolph, and George Washington 

As delegates to represent 

Her patriotic people; and 

To Philadelphia straightway went 

Those heroes justice to demand. 

From grand Mount Vernon side by side 
Did Patrick Henry, Washington 
And Pendleton together ride 
Tc Philadelphia; and not one 
Proved to his country's cause untrue: 
Three great, pure, noble-minded men- 
Three patriotic statesmen who 
Would die for freedom of their ken. 



—12— 

At length assembled fifty-one 
Such patriots, determined, brave, 
And a petition, mild in tone, 
Dispatched unto the cruel knave 
Who mercilessly dared oppress 
Three million people shamefully. 
The people read the firm address, 
Resolving to be dead or free. 

On April nineteen, sev'nty-five, 
The crisis came at Lexington; 
All Massachusetts was alive 
With fury; and with loaded gun 
They drove the British hosts away, 
But not without the loss of blood: 
And thus began upon that day 
The fight for home and brotherhood. 

The Congress m.et tlie tenth of May 
And organized for the campaign. 
In June unanimously they 
Did Washington choose and ordain 
To lead the soldiers in the fight 
Against aggressions from the King 
Of Britain, knowing that the right 
In time will always triumph bring. 

They offered him a salary. 

But Washington would not receive 

More than his mere expenses; he 

His services would freely give. 

'Twas patriotic duty which 

Led "Washington his l]om.e to quit; 

A base ambition to grow rich 

From office he did not permit. 



—13— 

The president of Congress gave 
Him his commission as the chief 
Of all Columbia's soldiers brave 
The twentieth of June, Quite brief 
At Philadelphia was his stay — 
He left there on June twenty-one, 
Proceeding quickly on his way 
To Boston, where war was begun. ^ 

When Washington assumed command 
July the third day, Bunker Hill 
Had witnessed the determined stand 
Of the provincials, who with skill 
Twice made the British hosts retreat 
And almost won the bloody field; 
But lack of powder caused defeat, 
Compelling our brave sires to yield. 

The siege of Boston soon began, 
Continuing the winter through, 
Till Washington conceived the plan 
Of forcing Lord Howe's troops to go. 
To fortify Dorchester Heights 
Was the command, and on March five 
Astonished were the British knights 
To see the crest with troops alive. 

They had to leave the town or fight. 
Howe quickly chose the former, and 
In a few days was out of sight 
Upon the sea with his command. 
The patriots March seventeen 
Did enter peacefully the town 
That for so many months had been 
Oppressed so sorely by the crown. 



—14— 

The bravery of Washington 

In battling for so grand a cause 

And the great victory he won 

Provoked the Nation's wild applause. 

Unanimously Congress gave 

A vote of thanks, and ordered that 

A golden medal he should have 

His victory to celebrate. 

From Boston now unto New York 
Did Washington with promptness go, 
And set his soldiers all to work 
To fortify against the foe. 
Upon the twenty-ninth of June 
The British vessels hove in sight 
And Staten Island's hills were soon 
Well lined with army tents so white. 

When waiting for the bloody fray 
That all expected July four — 
Columbia's Independence Day — 
Came; half a hundred and six more 
True patriots in Congress said 
The time was ripe for Liberty, 
And though the king might them behead, 
Their children's children should be free. 

On July nine the document 
By Washington's command was read 
To each brigade, and in each tent 
With truer heart and keener blade 
The men were to the contest nerved, 
Prepared to conquer or to die, 
Believing that the cause they served 
Would be triumphant by and by. 



—15— 

From Halifax and Britain's shore 

And also from the sunny South 

The British in vast numbers bore 

Upon the city; Hudson's mouth 

Was filled with Lord Howe's hostile fleet 

That came rebellion to suppress, 

Determined never to retreat 

Till they the fortress did possess. 

A conference with Washington 
Lord Howe desired, a,nd to him sent 
A message; but it was begun 
With "Mr." He was not content 
With such a title, and compelled 
The British chieftain to respect 
The high position that he held: 
And thus did Howe his notes direct* 

On August twenty-sev'n at dawn 
Upon Long Island was begun 
The battle, and continued on 
With fury until Washington ^ 
To Brooklyn ordered a retreat 
In order to the army save 
From crushing, ruinous defeat: 
He lost two thousand soldiers brave. 

The plan of Howe was to surround 
And capture Washington's whole force, 
But on the twenty-ninth 'twas found 
A fog prevented this bold course 
For a brief season. Washington 
Observed the danger. All seemed lost. 
He took his soldiers — every one — 
And with them to the city crossed. 



—16— 

He took them from before the foe 
Preparing to seize on its prey, 
And they so silently did go 
The redcoats knew it not that day, 
Thanks to the fog that screened from view 
The movements of the gallant band 
Whose comrades died that you and you 
Might live in peace in a free land. 

Retreating from New York away, 

At White Plains they engaged the foe 

In battle one October day — 

The twenty-eighth. Compelled to go, 

They at Northcastle pitched their tent 

Where foreign foes dared not intrude: 

And yet the British government 

Continued to shed human blood. 

Forced through New Jersey to retreat. 
The army crossed the Delaware 
Amidst a storm of rain and sleet 
And suffering beyond compare; 
The boats were on the western shore 
By the command of Washington, 
Cornwallis could do nothing more 
Till 'neath the ice the waters run. 

On Christmas twice twelve hundred men 
With Washington the river crossed 
Midst floating ice. Time and again 
It seemed as if all must be lost; 
But safe they reached the Jersey shore 
And marched against the Hessians, who 
Were unprepared at Trenton for 
What Washington proposed to do . 



—17— 

Our Washington lost two men slain, 
"While hundreds of the Hessians died; 
A thousand prisoners were ta'en 
Unto the Pennsylvania side. 
Soon after this the Delaware 
Was crossed again; the second day 
Of January found them where 
There seemed no chance to get away. 

Upon that cold eventful night, 
That he Cornwallis might deceive, 
The bivouac fires were burning bright 
When Washington took sudden leave 
And marched away to Princeton, where 
He won a signal victory. 
The roar of cannon through the air 
Was borne back to the enemy. 

Outgeneralled by Washington, 
Cornwallis to the rescue flew; 
But ere he came the fight was won 
By our forefathers brave and true. 
They were encamped at Morristown 
From January until May, 
And then to Middlebrook went down. 
In June they moved six miles away 

To Quibbletown — Newcastle now — 
But soon to Middlebrook again 
They went; and then Sir William Howe 
Quit Jersey soil with all his men. 
His destination was unknown, 
But Washington correctly guessed 
To Philadelphia Howe had gone; 
And straightway led his army west. 



—18— 

At Germantown he pitched his tents, 
And waited for the foe to come, 
Determined to at all events 
Avert the city's pending doom. 
'Tv/as here he first met La Fayette, 
The young, rich nobleman of France, 
Who crossed the briny deep to get 
To fight for our deliverance. 

Upon the famous Brandywine, 
In sev'nteen hundred sev'nty-sev'n, 
Just two days past September nine, 
A bloody battle fierce was giv'n. 
A lack of numbers to defeat 
The foreign legions under Howe 
Compelled our soldiers to retreat 
And to a place of safety go. 

Howe captured Philadelphia then 
September twenty-six and bade 
Cornwallis enter with his meii. 
Which made the patriots all sad. 
At Germantown October four 
Did Washington the foe attack. 
But a dense fog that hovered o'er 
The earth induced both sides to back. 

Soon after this did Washington 
Into his winter quarters go 
At Valley Forge. This noble son 
Who thus conteuided with the foe 
Was grieved to see ambitious Gates 
And Conway plot to supersede 
Him in the service of the States 
That did his counsel sorely need. 



—la- 
in this, the Nation's darkest hour, 
False friends at home and foes abroad 
Sought to perpetuate the pow'r 
Of him who scrupled not to trod 
Upon the rights of noble men 
Who braved the tempests of the sea 
And settled in a foreign glen 
That they might be forever free. 

Some soldiers had upon their feet 
No shoes; no coats to keep them warm; 
They had but little food to eat. 
And were exposed to ev'ry storm. 
Though hands were cold and feet did b^eod, 
They still believed their caure was just 
And that they would in time succeed, 
If they in God would only trust. 

The British did commemorate 
The eighteenth day of lovely June, 
In sev'nteen hundred sev'nty-eight, 
By leaving Philadelphia. Soon 
Did Washington the Delaware 
Cross over and the foe pursue, 
Who unto Monmouth did repair 
And were attacked by soldiers true. 

Our sires commanded were by Lee, 

Who fought not as he should have done. 

But ordered all his men to flee; 

They fied, but were by Washington 

Led back. Like demons fought the men 

Upon that sultry day of June, 

The eight and twentieth; and when 

The next day came they stood alone. 



—20— 

For Clinton and his men had fled 

Precipitately in the night, 

Their wounded leaving, and their dead, 

Their hurried flight to expedite. 

In Jersey Washington remained 

Until September came and then 

To "West Point went and ascertained 

The movements of the Englishmen. 

July sixteen, in sev'nty-nine, 

By Washington's command did Wayne 

With only a few men in line 

The fort at Stony Point regain. 

Discharging not a single gun. 

With killed and wounded ninety-eight 

They captured the whole garrison 

Of some six hundred on that date. 

The Continental currency 

Continued to depreciate 

Until the specie came to be 

Worth fifty times as much. The state 

Did it a legal tender make. 

Declaring it as good as gold, 

But people still refused to take 

The worthless stuff for what they sold. 

If those who favor flat now 
The country's history will read 
With care, they can perhaps learn how 
Such fiat money will succeed. 
Our currency is good today 
Because we are a Nation great 
And able all our debts to pay; 
And creditors are glad to wait. 



With means and honesty to meet 
Our obligations, men receive 
Our promises to pay; but let 
The business world come to believe 
Us bankrupt, they will then refuse 
Our obligations. As with man 
So with a Nation, which must choose 
A safe and sound financial plan. 

*Twas sev'nteen hundred eighty when 

A messenger to Washington 

The tidings bore: one of his men 

Had proved himself a traitor son. 

'Twas Arnold, he who led the fight 

At Saratoga and Quebec 

And did the foe with terror smite; 

For danger did not Arnold reck. 

But in an evil hour he fell 
And did his country's cause betray. 
Becoming only fit for hell. 
Where traitors go and go to stay. 
John Andre, his confederate, 
Was tried and punished as a spy; 
But Arnold later met his fate, 
Forsaken, left alone to die. 

In sev'nteen hundred eighty-one 
Did Washington his army lead 
Unto the South, and to his own 
Mount Vernon home did he proceed. 
Six years had come and gone since he 
Had bidden that dear home adieu 
To fight for home and liberty 
Beside our fathers, brave and true. 



—22— 

Now Washington and Rochambeau, 
Commanding forces on the land, 
Uniting with Count de Grasse, who 
Upon the sea had sole command, 
In Yorktown did Cornwallis peiii 
So that he could not get away. 
But did surrender all his men 
October nineteen — happy day. 

The Revolution's at an end, 
Columbia's independence won; 
Thanks be to those who did defend 
Their country's cause with Washington, 
The "Father of his Country,'* and 
The most illustrious of men; 
And we today well understand 
We'll never see his like again. 

In sev'nteeu hundred eighty-three 
Bade Washington his men farewell; 
Then to Mount Vernon journeyed he, 
In peace and happiness to dwell. 
But he could not at home remain; 
He left it for his country's good; 
For he was o::e without a stain, 
For love, and truth and virtue stoo^l. 

At length the Constitutional 
Convention met the tenth of May, 
In eighty-sev'n; and they did call 
True Washington to lead the way. 
Upon September seventeen 
Their labors arduous were done; 
And on that instrument is seen. 
The first name there, George Washington. 



—23— 

In sev'nteen hundred eighty-nine, 
The seventh day of the new year, 
From Hampshire to the Georgia line 
The people did from far and near 
Choose sixty-nine electors, who 
All voted for George Washington 
For President; John Adams true 
Became Columbia's second son. 

As Washington to New York went 

He saw ovations ev'rywhere, 

And frequently the President 

Elect tread over flowers fair. 

The thirtieth of April came: 

The oath of office duly ta'en, 

"Long live George V/ashington." This name 

Was shouted loud time and again. 

In the first cabinet we find 

Such men as Knox and Jefferson, 

And Randolph, and the master mind 

Of Alexander Hamilton — 

Men foremost in the Nation's cause, 

Men, earnest, patriotic, true; 

Men who gave us some of the laws 

That govern me today, and you. 

The country's welfare to promote, 
The Congress passed this famous bill, 
For which the most of them did vote: 
Protection to the farm and mill. 
Protection was the statesman's cry 
That echoed was by ev'ry son; 
And on the Fourth day of July 
It was approved by Washington. 



—24— 

The veto message that was sent 
In sev'nteen hundred ninety-two 
To Congress by the President 
Related to the number who 
Should represent the people when 
The members of the Third House met. 
"Unconstitutional," his pen 
Wrote; and so said his cabinet. 

In sev'nteen hundred ninety-two 
The second great election came, 
And ev'rywhere the Nation through 
The people spoke a single name: 
In ninety-three thrice forty-four 
Electors met and their votes gave 
To Washington for four years more. 
While Adams sixty-sev'n did have. 

About this time a difference 
Arose with France, who sent Genet 
As minister. He did commence 
To organize troops for the fray 
With England; but the President 
At once demanded his recall 
To Europe, and the government 
Approved his course and sanctioned all. 

While many people favored Prance 
For what she did to make us free 
And gladly welcomed such a chance 
To prove to her their sympathy, 
Their confidence in Washington 
Induced them to adopt his plan; 
And there is now not even one 
Who doubts the wisdom of the man. 



—25— 

Before his second term was o'er 
His cabinet had all resigned, 
Which did the President deplore, 
But he did other statesmen find. 
He ruled the States with truth and love, 
Promoting harmony and peace; 
Though critics did at times reprove, 
He lived to see the malice cease. 

'Twas sev'nteen hundred ninety when 
Old Philadelphia town became 
The Nation's capital; and then 
'Twas relocated; and the name 
Was that of our first President, 
Who laid the building's corner stone 
On the Potomac, being sent 
By Congress; such is Washington. 

In due time his "Farewell Address" 
Was given to the people, whom 
He did with words of wisdom bless: 
His words are not within his tomb; 
For all of us now realize 
That they will ever constitute 
A dear, a grand, a glorious prize. 
Whose value Time can not compute. 

Thus ended the oflScial life 

Of Washington, the Nation's friend, 

Who led them through the weary strife 

Thai won our freedom in the end. 

Long may his blessed memory 

Be idolized by ev'ry one 

Who has a longing to be free. 

Long live the name of Washington. 



—26— 

His public life was ended now, 
And lie unto Mount Vernon went, 
To oversee and reap and sow. 
With which pursuit he was content. 
But many, many noted men 
Were welcome guests about his board; 
For statesmen sought his counsels then. 
And listened to his ev'ry word. 

In sev'nteen hundred ninety-eight 
The French aroused the Nation's ire, 
Believing that our men would hate 
Upon the flag of France to fire. 
Our minister was sent away 
And France no other would receive; 
Our President without delay 
Suggested that the Congress give 

Tliat government to understand 
That we were independent, free: 
The Congress acted promptly and 
The war then certain seemed to be. 
All eyes were turned to Washington 
To lead them in the fight again, 
As he before had nobly done: 
And he was named commander then. 

The threatened battle did not come, 
For France apologized to us: 
Thus Washington remained at home, 
Removed from battles perilous. 
He lived to see the compromise 
Almost effected, and knew soon 
The peace that he so much did prize 
Would to the Nation be a boon. 



—27— 

December fourteen, ninety-nine, 
Tlie dreaded angel of death came 
And did in his cold arms entwine 
The form of one whose noble name 
Has been Columbia's watch-word for 
One hundred forty years. Both then 
And now, "first in peace, first in war, 
First in the hearts of countrymen." 

His illness lasted but a day. 

His suffering was quite intense, 

But he was carried soon away 

To that Supreme Intelligence 

That does all Nature's scenes pervade 

And cares for such as good have done; 

And in His dwelling place was made 

A home for noble Washington. 

Four days his body lay in state 
Ere it was placed within the tomb, 
A dwelling to which soon or late 
In silence all must surely come. 
By brothers true the corse was borne 
And at Mount Vernon laid to rest; 
The lambskin that in life was worn 
In death lay o'er his pulseless breast. 

For ages has the lambskin been 

An emblem of sweet innocence. 

The Mason's badge, pure, white and clean, 

That teaches us benevolence": 

And 'tis today the Craftsman's pride 

That he can point his friends to one 

So noble, who met side by side 

With Masons: thus did Washington. 



—28— 

For him the Nation now did mourn; 
For when his life came to an end 
The people knew from them was torn 
A father and a faithful friend. 
Not only did Columbia weep 
For her distinguished, noble son, 
But other nations, o'er the deep, 
"With us mourned for George Washington. 

In his last will and testament 
He gave his slaves their liberty, 
For Washington was not content 
Unless he made his servants free. 
At Mrs. Washington's decease 
The policy that he did state 
Was made effective, and in peace 
The slaves stood free men at her gate. 

Upon Columbia's vast domain 

No spot more sacred can be found 

Than that where Washington has lain 

For six score years almost. That ground 

Is visited by tourists nov/, 

Who gaze with reverence and love; 

And many in its presence vow 

That they will meet him un above. 

The Eighteenth century has passed, 

The Twentieth has long since come, 

Our Nation has become so vast 

That it is now the happy home 

Of five score million free men, who 

Relate to daughter and to son 

The deeds of the brave men who drew 

The sword and fought with Washington. 



—29— 

The picket who stood in the rain, 
The soldier who lay in the sleet, 
The hero numbered with the slain, 
The patriot with shoeless feet, 
The statesman with a loyal heart. 
The mother with a soldier son. 
Deserve our gratitude in part, 
But no one more than Washington. 

While men the English language speak 
And teach their sons the history 
Of that great war, v/herein the weak 
Opposed the strong man's tyranny 
And struggled to throw off the yoke 
That emanated from the throne 
Of Britain, people will invoke 
God's blessing upon Washington. 

The lapse of time, the ruthless hand 
Of ignorance may devastate 
The costly monuments that stand 
To mark the name of one so great, 
But even then his name will live 
Within the heart of ev'ry son 
Who reads the thrilling narrative 
Of Washington — proud Washington. 

This government may perish and 
This land be peopled by a race 
That does not English understand, 
And their historians may trace 
The records for the world's great men, 
But when their labors all are done 
They'll find the noblest citizen 
Is proud Columbia's Washington. 



—30— 

1 he sun may cease to shed his light. 

The smiling moon may change to blood, 

The stars may cease to shine at night, 

The earth be deluged with a flood; 

But when eternity shall come 

And things terrestrial are done 

In Heav'n above — the Christian's home — 

God's angels will guard Washington. 

The Roman may of Caesar sing, 
Columbus may be claimed by Spain, 
And Switzerland her Tell may bring, 
And France her hero from the Seine, 
Great Britain may extol her queen 
And Germany her proudest son, 
But in America we mean 
To write and sing of Washington. 

So long as we our children tell 

Of the heroic, noble deeds 

Performed by patriots who fell 

On Northern hills and Southern meads. 

This government of ours will stand 

To bless our progeny, not one 

Of whom will raise his strong right hand 

Against the flag of Washington. 

To know the history of Rome 
And ancient Greece is very well. 
But let our children first become 
Familiar with what authors tell 
About our Massachusetts men 
Who won the day at Lexington, 
And marched against the British when 
Commanded by our Washington. 



—31— 

Long years ago, ere we drew breath, 
And gazed upon the brilliant world, 
Our gallant hero tasted death 
And to eternity was hurled. 
'Twas in his day and by his hand 
America her freedom won; 
Emblazoned high must ever stand 
That name immortal! Washington! 

The story of his life is known 

In gorgeous palace, humble cot, 

By children and by freemen grown; 

His name will never be forgot. 

On February twenty-two 

Loud rings the shouts of every son, 

Prom Eastern sea to Western blue, 

"Hurrah! Hurrah! lor Washington!" 

Our Country's father! kind and true! 
To his example point with pride, 
And strive to emulate it, too; 
'Tis said of him, "He never lied." 
Forever true to friend was he, 
And no known duty left undone; 
He fought for years to make us free: 
All honor to our Washington! 

Who led his gallant little band 
With bloody foot-prints through the snow, 
And soothed them by his wise command, 
And put to rout the British foe? 
Who led our fathers through the war 
And forced the tyrants all to run? 
Back comes the answer from afar: 
"Our Washington! Our Washington!" 



—32— 

As President he served us well 
And ever strove to do his best; 
In ninety-nine sad tolled the bell, 
Announcing his eternal rest. 
He bade farewell to scenes below, 
His earthly labors being done; 
He said, "I'm not afraid to go:" 
And thus departed Washington! 

Our story has been briefly told, 
Cooisidering the many acts 
Performed by one so true and bold. 
Our aim has been to give the facts 
In a succinct and pleasing style; 
We hope our task has been well done; 
And now we ask your pardon while 
We close our tale of Washington. 



DISTINGUISHED CRAFTSMEN 

JOHN ADAMS 

SAMUEL ADAMS 

M.: W.: JOSIAH BARTLETT 

RICHARD P. BLAND 

WILLIAM J. BRYAN 

JAMES BUCHANAN 

JOSEPH G. CANNON 

CHAMP CLARK 

HENRY CLAY 

DEWITT CLINTON 

JEFFERSON DAVIS 

STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS 

CHARLES W. FAIRBANKS 

M.: W.: BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 

JAMES A. GARFIELD 

ELBRIDGE GERRY 

HORACE GREELEY 

JOHN HANCOCK 

BENJAMIN HARRISON, Sr. 

JOHN J. INGALLS 

M.: W.: ANDREW JACKSON 

THOMAS JEFFERSON 

ANDREW JOHNSON 

JOHN PAUL JONES 

W. : MARQUIS de LA FAYETTE 

FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE 

THOMAS R. MARSHALL 

WILLIAM McKINLEY 

GEORGE G. MEADE 

ROBERT TREATE PAINE 

JAMES K. POLK 

WILLIAM A. QUAYLE 

THEODORE ROOSEVELT 

WINFIELD SCOTT SCHLEY 

JEREMIAH SIMPSON 

WILLIAM H. TAFT 

M. : W. : HENRY M. TELLER 

JOSEPH WARREN 

W.: GEORGE WASHINGTON 

OLIVER WOLCOTT 



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